Review: Son of Anger by Donovan Cook
I'm thrilled to share my review of Son of Anger, a fast-paced historical novel by Donovan Cook.
It's currently on blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club where it garnered the coveted Book of the Year Award 2022. Many congratulations to Donovan!
As I'd not been involved in the 2022 Coffee Pot Book Club Awards, I was curious about this novel. What made it stand out above all the other fantastic novels shortlisted?
The beginning throws you straight into the plot, when Ulf's uncle's farm is attacked by a giant warrior, Griml, and all members of Ulf's family are killed. Having attacked the ogre, he is left for dead, but we find him recovering after he was rescued. As he hovers between the two worlds, Ulf wonders where is path will lead him. There is a quest he must undertake, and one that's fraught with dangers to him, and those he (slowly) trusts.
Filled with fury, he searches for the attacker. But he is not only facing threats from humans – what do the Gods have in store for him, that they burden him with such a fate?
Ulf's quest is not for the fainthearted. It's a rough ride through Viking history, and the author has clearly done his research, especially into the ways of the Norse Gods. I found Ulf's exchanges with them fascinating.
This is a well-plotted, action-packed story that has you turning the (virtual, in my case) pages. Gritty, gory at times, it shows off ancient traditions and interactions very well. We are on a quest with Ulf, keen on revenge. But will he get it?
Whilst this is a gripping tale, I found the narrative, the head-hopping, difficult to deal with, at times. Clearly told from an omniscient POV, it veers between the characters too often for my taste. But that's my personal view. I also found there were quite a few instances of repetitions, which slowed the pace somewhat.
But apart from that, it's a solid novel with a grumpy hero, Ulf, who grows into his own place in the world. His learning curve is steep, and Donovan Cook handles it very well.
A recommended read for fans of Viking and early medieval fiction.
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Blurb:
Ulf is like a storm, slowly building up its power, he grows more dangerous with each passing moment. And like all storms, he will eventually break. When he does, he will destroy everything in his path.
Ulf is one of a long line of famous Norse warriors. His ancestor Tyr was no ordinary man, but the Norse God of War. Ulf, however, knows nothing about being a warrior.
Everything changes when a stranger arrives on Ulf’s small farm in Vikenfjord. The only family he’s ever known are slaughtered and the one reminder of his father is stolen -- Ulf’s father’s sword, Ormstunga. Ulf’s destiny is decided.
Are the gods punishing him? All Ulf knows is that he has to avenge his family. He sets off on an adventure that will take him across oceans, into the eye of danger, on a quest to reclaim his family’s honour.
The gods are roused. One warrior can answer to them. The Son of Anger.
Buy Links:
This book is available on #KindleUnlimited.
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/m2dMOr
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08NCNQPLH
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NCNQPLH
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08NCNQPLH
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08NCNQPLH
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/son-of-anger-donovan-cook/1137982445?ean=9781838300814
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About the Author:
Donovan Cook
When Donovan is not teaching or writing, he can be found reading, watching rugby, or working on DIY projects. Being born in South Africa, he is a massive Springboks fan and rarely misses a match.
Connect with Donovan Cook:
Website: https://www.donovancook.net/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonovanCook20
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonovanCookAuthor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donovan-cook
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Donovan-Cook/e/B08PC3BDRX
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20887374.Donovan_Cook
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